Sports

BCCI Says Bumrah Fit, Some World Cup Matches Could Be Rescheduled 

Navratri security, requests from member nations reasons for re-evaluation of itinerary 

Virender Sehwag and Muttiah Muralitharan at the World Cup 2023 launch.
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BCCI secretary Jay Shah hinted on Thursday that the dates of a few World Cup fixtures could change, according to some reports. He also said pacer Jasprit Bumrah was "100 per cent fit" and could play the three-T20I series in Ireland in August.   

"Bumrah is totally fit and he may go to Ireland," Shah told reporters in New Delhi.

One of the World Cup matches reportedly under consideration is the India-Pakistan game on October 15 in Ahmedabad. It is the day of Navratri and for security reasons it is believed that the match could be played on another day. 

A final decision on the matter is expected in a few days. Shah reportedly said it will be discussed with the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). 

The boards of three participating nations have reportedly requested for a change in the dates due to the gaps in matches in the current schedule. 

Among other things, Shah reportedly said that the BCCI would appeal the ban against women’s captain Harmanpreet Kaur. He also said BCCI President Roger Binny and NCA chief VVS Laxman were going to speak with Kaur about her conduct on the ill-tempered Bangladesh tour. 

Last month, the ICC announced the schedule for the World Cup, being held from October 5 to November 19. 

Defending champions England will take on New Zealand, the finalists of the previous edition, in the opener at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

In all, 48 matches will be played at ten venues. 

India will open their campaign against Australia in Chennai on October 8. Pakistan will play their first two games in Hyderabad on October 6 and October 12.